16 Ways to Spend That Precious and Essential Kid-Free Time

Planning a fun night out with the girls is a great way to recharge. Whether it's for dinner or drinks, catching the latest movie, or just meeting at the mall to shop, you can't go wrong when you're with your friends!

The next time you need an ultimate recharge, plan a weekend trip with some friends. Putting some physical distance between you and your responsibilities is one great way to relax. Go on a retreat, a cruise, or just book a hotel in an interesting town.

If you need some serious rest and quiet time, book yourself a one night stay at a local hotel. You'd be surprised at how much better you feel the next morning.

My favorite way to recharge is to go on a nature walk or hike. There's something about being outdoors in nature that makes me feel human again. With no kids to catch up with or slow down for, you can walk however fast you like and take in the scenery in peace.

Heading out to your favorite store alone can feel like a weekend getaway in itself. I love spending hours browsing with no one asking me to buy something for them, or to put something on their never ending Christmas list.

Making a monthly brunch date with your friends can be something you can look forward to. Good food, good friends, and chatting about life is a great way to spend a morning.

Have a potluck dinner at a friends house, or host one yourself. Just make sure you do it late in the evening after the kids are in bed, or arrange for a sitter.

Treating yourself to a massage can be pricey, but sometimes that level of relaxation is needed. Unwinding your body and mind is necessary.

Is there an old hobby you used to love but haven't made it a priority in recent years? We all put our passions on the back burner, but it's time to invest in yourself again!

Set up a regular babysitting swap with one of your friends. You watch her kids for a few hours and then she can watch yours. Free childcare and a few free hours to do whatever you want to — it's a win win.

Find a sitter so you can spend some uninterrupted adult time with your partner. It's easier to reconnect when you're out of the house and not worried about what has to be done before the next day.

Meet up with a friend at a local coffee shop. I know one of my favorites hosts trivia nights, live bands, and various other fun events. Whether you're just meeting to get a caffeine fix or going to enjoy the atmosphere, a coffee shop is a great place to catch up.

Sometimes just planning a phone call with a good friend or family member that you haven't spoken to recently can feel like a treat. Schedule a time to talk, if needed. Make sure it's at a time where you won't be interrupted to tie shoes or get a snack.